I never conspired with relatives to escape-Malm

Accra, April 19, GNA- John Malm, alias Baby Nii, the convicted armed robber who allegedly escaped from prison custody on Monday, denied an assertion by the prosecution that he conspired with his relatives to escape from prison.

In a cross-examination before an Accra Circuit Court, Malm said although his relatives visited him during his incarceration, they were not involved in plans for his escape, adding that his escape was accidental.

He said his escape coincided with the visit of his friends when being escorted to hospital for medical examination.

Malm said it was untrue that he made series of attempts to escape from lawful custody but all failed.

He said his visit to the hospital between June 16 and 25, last year was not part of plans to escape but he was actually indisposed adding, "it was also not a strategy to outwit the prison officers as prosecution claimed."

Malm also denied Prosecution's assertion that some members of his gang were spotted loitering around at the time he was being sent to hospital to ensure how best they could whisk him away. He said although prior to his escape he ordered the mother, Sarah Malm to give out 30 million cedis to two persons, Philip and Tsiki to buy a Peugeot car, it was not meant for his escape rather it was to be used for a taxi.

Malm said it was also false that a Mallam at Kasoa performed certain rituals that protected him during his escape and that he had never met the said Mallam before, adding, " the visit to the premises of the Mallam was only a stop over".

The convict said he never engaged in frequent telephone conversation with his girlfriend Charlotte on any discussions with the Mallam to perform rituals for them.

Malm said it was untrue that he was accompanied by any of the accused persons to Aflao, and denied the involvement of one Tetevi in his settlement in Togo.

He said when the run-away car left the hospital, the prison officer guarding him attempted to run after him.